January 05, 2011 | 07:16 AMMadison — "The focus of the next legislative session will be stabilizing Wisconsin's economy and putting people back to work — I look forward to my new committee assignments to aid in that effort," said State Sen. Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) as incoming Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald announced the remainder of the committee assignments for the 2011-12 session.

Kedzie has already been named chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee, which he believes will have an impact on job growth in the private sector. In addition to that, Kedzie has been named vice-chair of the Senate Judiciary, Commerce, Utilities, and Government Operations Committee, and member of the Senate Agriculture, Forestry, and Higher Education Committee. Kedzie has served on all three committees to some capacity in previous legislative sessions.

"There has been a great deal of discussion about reforming government, particularly agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources and Commerce Department. We have obligation to examine any sensible initiatives to streamline those departments and realign their attention to creating jobs, rather than creating more onerous regulations," Kedzie said.

Kedzie also announced the addition of two members to his staff.

Doug Wheaton, the former executive director of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, will serve as Kedzie's policy advisor. Over the last decade, Wheaton also served as the director of the Department of City Development for the city of Franklin, government affairs director for the southeastern Wisconsin Realtors Association, and legislative assistant for two state senators. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Carroll College, a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University, and received his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School.

"Doug will be a tremendous asset to my office, and I'm confident his educational background and experience with economic development issues will serve us well," Kedzie said. "His insight and knowledge will certainly be utilized as we advance our agenda to grow the economy."

Katie Scott will join Kedzie's team as a legislative assistant with a focus on constituent and media relations. Scott was previously employed in the Wisconsin State Assembly as a research assistant from 2000 to 2005, and in the Wisconsin State Senate as a legislative assistant from 2001 to 2002. She holds a bachelor's of science degree in political science and economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"Katie brings a great deal of talent and legislative experience to my staff and will be a very strong advocate for the people I serve," said Kedzie. "She'll also be valuable in getting my message out, as her public relations background will help me stay in touch with the constituents of the 11th Senate District," Kedzie concluded.

Kedzie's new Senate office is located in Room 313—South of the State Capitol in Madison. The 2011-12 legislative session began on Monday, Jan. 3.

Kedzie can be reached in Madison at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI, 53707-7882, or by calling toll-free (800) 578-1457. He may be reached in the district at (262) 742-2025 or online at www.senatorkedzie.com.